Have you noticed how popular essential oils have become recently? Many households now have an essential oil with a unique smell to serve a number of purposes. Forget about the essential oils commonly used for aromatherapy.
Today, they are used as an alternative treatment for a number of health issues. Obtained through distillation, or mechanical methods, like cold pressing, essential oils are compounds that extract aromatic chemicals from plants.
Since the extract is strong and potent, it’s mixed with a carrier oil to make a product ready for use. Read on to learn how essential oils can be used for spider bites.
Spider Bites
Depending on what type of spider bit you, some spider bites may go unnoticed. But, if you were bitten by a venom producing spider, like a brown recluse, or a black widow spider, then you would see their bite.
They produce venom which makes the bitten area red, itchy, and painful. It is said a black widow spider bite can cause severe cramping or abdominal pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Venom producing spider bites may produce severe cramping, stomach pain, chills, nausea, or sweating. Sometimes the skin surrounding the bite turns purple or blue and forms an open sore or wound. As the skin around it continues to die, the wound becomes even bigger.
Risk Factors for Spider Bites
Some risk factors that can lead to possible spider bites include living in a spider infested area, disturbing a spider’s natural habitat, or crushing a spider on your skin.
When moving in sheds, garages, woodpiles and any other place where spiders live, then you should wear gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers to protect yourself.
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes the signs get worse and you may have to see a doctor. You should see a doctor or go to the emergency room if the red bump becomes more itchy and painful and you are not sure what exactly bit you.
When the affected person experiences too much pain, abdominal cramping, or an expanding ulcer at the bitten site. When the affected person starts getting breathing problems, or experiences drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation. All of these are cause to see a doctor immediately.
Essential Oils for Spider Bites
There are a number of essential oils and home remedies to soothe spider and other bug bites. They include lavender, tea tree, peppermint, Roman Chamomile, and others.
With essential oils, different people use them differently. What works for you might not necessarily work for another person. However, it’s important that you do some trial and error to see what works best for you.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known to provide a restful sleep. When a spider bites you, you might get sleepless nights depending on whether it is a venomous spider or not.
After applying other oils to relieve pain, put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow to get a peaceful rest at night. Lavender oil is also said to contain analgesic properties and reduces pain.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil is said to possess anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation caused by a spider bite. Mix it with a carrier oil and apply on the bite area.
It is also a good anti-oxidant which can help boost your immunity and helps reduce swelling. It also has calming effect and can be used as a sedative.
Bergamot
This is a great analgesic especially for nerve pain. It is also used in aromatherapy to reduce stress-induced anxiety. It will help soothe the anxiety, pain, and other symptoms of a spider bite.
When a venomous spider bites you, some of the effects include anxiety, restlessness, and muscle spasms which can all be aided with bergamot oil. Apply it topically on the affected part or inhale it.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are known to relive pain and cause a soothing and calming effect after being bitten by a spider. Mix it with a carrier oil or a little water to reduce its potency and apply it directly on the affected area.
Some of the essential oils to use for bug bites are lavender, romaine chamomile, tea tree, and peppermint, among many others.
